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Doctor-led hair loss care

Male Hair Loss - Doctor-Led Assessment & Treatment

Male hair loss is extremely common and can have a significant impact on confidence, self-image and wellbeing. In most men, hair loss reflects a natural, age-related, genetic and hormonal process, rather than an illness or disease.

Although often considered a cosmetic concern, male pattern hair loss has well-understood biological mechanisms, and there are evidence-based treatment options that may help slow progression or preserve hair when used appropriately.

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What Is Male Pattern Hair Loss?

The most common cause of hair loss in men is male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It affects genetically susceptible hair follicles and typically follows a recognisable pattern:

Recession at the temples
Thinning at the crown (vertex)
Gradual progression over time

Male pattern hair loss is not caused by poor circulation, wearing hats, frequent hair washing, or stress alone. While stress or illness can contribute to temporary shedding, androgenetic alopecia is driven primarily by genetics and hormones.

What you should know

Why Does Hair Loss Occur?

Male pattern hair loss occurs due to the interaction between inherited genetic sensitivity and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT):

Testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase
In genetically predisposed individuals, DHT causes hair follicles to gradually shrink
Over time, hairs become thinner, shorter and lighter
Eventually, affected follicles may stop producing visible hair altogether

This process is gradual and progressive, often beginning in the late teens or twenties, although onset and progression vary.

Are There Other Causes of Hair Loss?

Yes. Not all hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. Other causes include:

Telogen effluvium (temporary shedding after illness, stress, surgery or weight loss)
Alopecia areata (autoimmune, patchy hair loss)
Scalp conditions (psoriasis, fungal infection)
Medication-related hair loss
Hormonal or systemic illness

This is why a medical assessment is important before starting treatment — to ensure the diagnosis is correct and treatment is appropriate.

Conservative & Supportive Measures

Conservative measures alone do not stop male pattern hair loss, but they can support scalp and hair health:

Gentle hair care and avoiding traction hairstyles
Treating scalp inflammation or dandruff
Managing stress and sleep
Maintaining general health and nutrition

These measures support overall hair health but do not reverse androgenetic alopecia

Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Male Pattern Hair Loss

There is strong clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of the following treatments for male pattern hair loss. In the UK, these treatments are commonly prescribed off-label following appropriate medical assessment.

Minoxidil

Available as a topical treatment and, in selected cases, oral therapy
Helps stimulate hair follicles and prolongs the hair growth (anagen) phase
Does not affect DHT
Most effective with consistent, long-term use

Finasteride

Reduces conversion of testosterone to DHT, the key hormone driving male pattern hair loss
Helps slow or stop further hair loss and may promote regrowth
Benefits are maintained only with continued use

Dutasteride

A more potent DHT-blocking medication than finasteride
Sometimes considered in selected cases where standard treatment is insufficient
Prescribed off-label and requires careful clinical assessment

Combination Therapy

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